In response to FM Reinsalu, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo confirmed his wish to increase cooperation with Estonia

25.07.2019 | 16:19

News

At a meeting that took place recently in Tallinn with US Under Secretary of State David Hale, Foreign Minister Reinsalu delivered a letter to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo about opportunities to increase cooperation between Estonia and the United States of America. In his response letter to Foreign Minister Urmas Reinsalu yesterday, Secretary of State Pompeo expressed readiness to increase cooperation between the two countries.

Secretary of State Pompeo brought out the fact that Estonia’s election to the UN Security Council as a non-permanent member presents a historic opportunity to deepen cooperation between the two countries. As part of this, he invited Estonian representatives to Washington this autumn to new member consultations, highlighting Estonia’s experience and expertise in cyber issues. He also gave an overview of the United States’ priorities at this year’s UN General Assembly.

Pompeo brought out the importance of close relations between our two countries, particularly in today’s era of great power competition, when unity and cohesion are essential to secure collective defence. Ahead of the NATO Leaders Meeting in December that celebrates the 70th anniversary of the Alliance, he emphasised the need to demonstrate the Allies’ dedication to increasing defence spending and NATO’s ability to adjust to changing security challenges. He thanked Estonia for our strong support for US and EU sanctions towards Russia and stressed the importance of Transatlantic unity in all foreign policy aspects, including relations with China and Iran. According to Pompeo, EU security cooperation should be complementary to NATO’s defence activities. He also confirmed that the United States remains committed to arms control that advances security for the Allies.

In his letter, Secretary of State Pompeo also expressed his support for Estonia’s role in hosting the Three Seas Summit, which presents another good opportunity to enhance cooperation. A strong, secure and well-connected Three Seas region strengthens the EU as a whole and boosts its profile as a destination for US investment.

Additional information:

Kaisa Hanna Parel
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Estonia
Communication Department
+372 637 7618 / +372 53323045
[email protected]